Automan2164 Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 Was wondering if one of our resident Chryco employees could run a VIN for me. I ran across an XJ in the yard that had the Up Country Suspension Group decals in the back window and was curious whether or not the rear end would be a limited slip worth grabbing (Or having them grab). Kinda curious if if would be as serious as gear also, although I highly doubt it. 1J4FJ78S2VL589798 Also, this one is stuck in the mud, so I can't see much. Up Country also includes what else? Skids? Hooks? Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted March 9, 2014 Author Share Posted March 9, 2014 Ok... So I did stop by the dealer before going out there, and I didn't get any information. He didn't even pull up the build sheet, and just gave me a "Doesn't tell me". Usually they are pretty helpful. Today, not so much... But what is really hard to figure out is the back story here. I went back to grab what I was going to assume would be the skids, limited slip, tow hooks... And found none of that. I also took a closer look into the "Limited" aspect of it. This is where I get lost. As far as I knew, '97 did not have a limited offering. As I understood it, the "Country" was still burrito supreme until '98 when the Limited made a comeback. The interior was the mist gray, but was cloth. Interesting enough though was that the door panels had a cloth insert that matched the seat, and woodgrain like a limited. So there is that. I also was confused by the "Upcountry Package" as I thought it was a full boat of skids, hooks, and suspension... But the skids and hooks were MIA, and didn't look to ever have been on. No marks or anything. It looks like whomever had this had it pretty set up at some point, as it had a car phone (Remnants under the rear seat), the nicer sound system (Tweeters behind the mirror were already gone, but the wires to them were lopped off), rear spoiler (Assuming so from the rubber nuts in the hatch), vent visor impressions remaining, and an XJ Mopar storage box in the back. I know the storage couldn't have been for this, as it was originally a tan box that was painted to match. The interesting thing about the box was the back was cut out of it, and the back of the panel in the XJ was cut out. I tried my best to guess what they might have been doing with the cut out, but nothing really stuck out other than 3 butt connectored wires behind the panel. Anyone have any guesses? Pics of the Jeep: So did '97 have Limiteds? Any guesses on the rest of this conundrum? Rob :dunno: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comanche County Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Yeah I thought the UC was supposed to have the hooks and skids....Did the shocks have booties on em? They were supposed to have higher grade shocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Standard Equipment Code Description Code Description Code Description APAS Monotone Paint BAUS 117 Amp Alternator BCDS 500 Amp Maintenance Free Battery BGAS Power Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes CDBS Reclining Front Seats CFMS Rear Fold w/Removable Cushion Seat CGGS Traveling Inboard Seat Belt Buckle CGWS Next Generation Front Air Bags** CKAS Carpets - Floor and Cargo Area CKNS Cargo Compartment Carpet CKTS Cargo Tie Down Loops CKXS Plastic Liftgate Trim Panel CSRS Passenger Assist Handles CSSS Lift Gate Assist Handle CUFS Full Length Floor Console DGSS 4-Speed Automatic AW4 Transmission DHNS Command-Trac Part Time 4WD System DJHS Dana M30/181MM Front Axle DRAS Corporate 8.25 Rear Axle GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror HGDS Deluxe Insulation Group JCDS 100 MPH Primary Speedometer JHAS Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers JJAS Cigar Lighter JJBS Dual Note Electric Horns JJJS 12V Auxiliary Power Outlet KGPS DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE KRPS DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE KTPS DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE K3CS DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE LAJS Headlamps On Warning Chimes LBCS Glove Box Lamp LMAS Halogen Headlamps LPSS CHMSL Lamp MCAS Front Bumper Guards MHAS Black Windshield Moldings MMCS Rear Qtr Solid Window Insert MMGS Belt Moldings MMKS Body Color Drip Trough Molding MNAS Black Door Handles NBKS EVAP Control System NFAS 20 Gallon Fuel Tank QCJS Dark Blue Pearl Coat SBAS Power Steering SDAS Normal Duty Suspension SHAS Front Stabilizer Bar SHCS Rear Stabilizer Bar TBLS Inside Mounted Spare Tire XCYS Delete Remote Start System XJFS Tethered Fuel Filler Cap YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications Z5BS Payload Rating - 1800# 1AAS U.S. Dealer Retail 155S Zone 55-Milwaukee 5ITS XK-Vehicle Family 5IWS JS-Vehicle Family 650S Wisconsin State Code 950S Wisconsin State Code Optional Equipment Code Description Code Description Code Description *XJ Cloth Low-back Bucket Seats -C3 DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE ADAP Light Group AHT Trailer Tow Group ARXP Country Decor Group AWHP Power Equipment Group A20P DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE CACP Low Back Bucket Seats CBVP Cloth Door Trim Panel w/Map Pocket CLEP Front Rear Floor Mats CSAP Spare Tire Cover DGB All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions DHAP Lock-Up Torque Converter DHSP Floor Mount Automatic Shift Lever DMDP 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio EAAC All Engines ERH 4.0L I6 Power Tech Engine GAL Deep Tint Sunscreen Glass GEEP Deep Tint Sunscreen Liftgate Glass GFA Rear Window Defroster GNCP Sun Visors w/Illum Vanity Mirrors GTZP Power Mirrors, Fold-Away GVBC All Vehicles W/Power Mirrors GXMP Remote Keyless Entry HAAP Air Conditioning JAYP Instrument Cluster w/Tach JBGP Instrument Panel Woodgrain Bezel JHBP Rear Window Wiper/Washer JPAP Power Windows JPBP Power Locks JPS Power 6-Way Driver Seat KBSP DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE KCPP DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE KYPP DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE K2CP DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE LBBP Courtesy Lamps LCDP Map/Dome Reading Lamps LDAP Underhood Lamp LDBP Cargo Compartment Lamp LHDP Headlamp Off Time Delay LNJ Fog Lamps MBPP Body Color Front Bumper MBQP Body Color Rear Bumper w/Step Pads MDAP Front License Plate Bracket MFKP Body Color Grille MWGP Roof Rack NAA Federal Emissions NHBP Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler NHMP Speed Control NMCP Heavy Duty Engine Cooling PCJ Dark Blue RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles RAZ AM/FM Cassette Compact Disc Radio RCDP 4 Speakers RDDP Fixed Long Mast Antenna SCGP Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel SUAP Tilt Steering Column TBB Full Size Spare Tire TRVP P225/70R15 Eagle GA OWL AS Tires TZAP Goodyear Brand Tires WJ7P 15X7.0 Luxury Aluminum Wheels WKBP Matching Spare Wheel WLZC All Aluminum Wheels YGFA 8 Additional Gallons of Gas ZFJP Spring - Left Front ZFUP Spring - Left Rear ZUJP Spring - Right Front ZUUP Spring - Right Rear 2THA Customer Preferred Package 2TH 26H Customer Preferred Package 26H 3J3A No Charge Air Conditioning 3VUA Customer Preferred Discount 4X6A Wisconsin Act-13 Recovery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 I hope you can decipher that, they don't copy and paste like they used to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Talk about a jumbled mess. Doesn't appear very helpful either from scanning through it, all I really noticed was tow group and country decor group. It also says something about each of the springs at the end there, but nothing about skids, hooks, or most other options the limited/UC packages had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted March 9, 2014 Author Share Posted March 9, 2014 Thanks fellas! I see the 'ARXP Country Decor Group' which somewhat confirms my original thought that maybe someone swapped the country decals out for the limited ones... I see mention of the 8.25 and 3.55 gears, but nothing as far as a limited slip. I do see all 4 aluminum rims and a matching spare listed though... It only had a convenience spare in it at the yard, and looked like it had only had that for awhile judging by the carpet impression on the rear wheel well. Only real way to know about the limited slip will probably be to have them pick it up so I can get to the diff cover... Or bring a jack and do it myself. Rob :hmm: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comanche County Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Its 75 degrees down here Rob. Just write that one off so you don't have to lay in the ice sludge......send me a requisition and I'll get you what you want all the while wearing my shorts and Birkenstocks. Just kidding, I really don't wear no damn hippie birkenstocks. But since its spring now I'm in sandals and shorts instead of my winter cowboy ariats and carhartts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpnjim Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Thanks fellas! I see the 'ARXP Country Decor Group' which somewhat confirms my original thought that maybe someone swapped the country decals out for the limited ones... I see mention of the 8.25 and 3.55 gears, but nothing as far as a limited slip. I do see all 4 aluminum rims and a matching spare listed though... It only had a convenience spare in it at the yard, and looked like it had only had that for awhile judging by the carpet impression on the rear wheel well. Only real way to know about the limited slip will probably be to have them pick it up so I can get to the diff cover... Or bring a jack and do it myself. Rob :hmm: Did the sticker on the firewall match the dash VIN Rob? If it didn't, that would explain a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glundblad Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 I used to own a '95 grand Cherokee Orvis. I thought upcountry meant LSD, 1 3/4' lift and special shocks. Orvis came with skids and tow hooks but up country didn't guarantee it. Dang it Rob. I wish you didn't ask that question. I sure wish I didn't trade that thing. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted March 9, 2014 Author Share Posted March 9, 2014 Did the sticker on the firewall match the dash VIN Rob? If it didn't, that would explain a lot. When I was in the back panel, there was an assembly VIN tag sticker on the body that matches everything else. I used to own a '95 grand Cherokee Orvis. I thought upcountry meant LSD, 1 3/4' lift and special shocks. Orvis came with skids and tow hooks but up country didn't guarantee it. Dang it Rob. I wish you didn't ask that question. I sure wish I didn't trade that thing. :( I'm confused by the whole thing. On another note... I too wish I'd have kept my ZJ... I underestimated how nice the ride and comfort of it was until I got back into an XJ... Boy do I miss that ZJ. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpnjim Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Did the sticker on the firewall match the dash VIN Rob? If it didn't, that would explain a lot. When I was in the back panel, there was an assembly VIN tag sticker on the body that matches everything else. I used to own a '95 grand Cherokee Orvis. I thought upcountry meant LSD, 1 3/4' lift and special shocks. Orvis came with skids and tow hooks but up country didn't guarantee it. Dang it Rob. I wish you didn't ask that question. I sure wish I didn't trade that thing. :( I'm confused by the whole thing. On another note... I too wish I'd have kept my ZJ... I underestimated how nice the ride and comfort of it was until I got back into an XJ... Boy do I miss that ZJ. Rob VIN matches? ok then :) Any chance it was an early production model? I haven't dug out the 97' book yet, but being a transition year, who knows And as far as ZJs go.... I never really liked ours (Black 96' 4.0L), but it was the most rust free vehicle I ever owned. I have no idea why it was so immune to rust. When the trans went @90k miles, I gave it to a neighbor for his son (with a used, working trans in the back waiting to go in). He drove it for 6 months, then junked it when the 2nd trans went. Last time I ever saw it, he had shinned up the dulled black paint, cleaned up the 31" BFG AT's, and it looked better than it ever did the whole time I owned it :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpnjim Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 1997 Sales Consultant Product Guide lists New for 1997; Carryover from 1996 1996 Cherokee Classic model added 1997 Jeep Cherokee to be introduced mid-model year but even for the 1996's it doesn't list a limited, just the SE, Sport, Classic & Country There is a 1997 Cherokee section, but it just says "A revised edition of the famous Jeep Cherokee is due to arrive at dealerships in early 1997, bla bla bla watch for new releases in the first quarter of 1997. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpnjim Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 The Jeep and Eagle Product Information book (November 1996) does break down the 97' Cherokee Under What's new for 1997 it says New Country models feature body color bla bla bla It only lists SE, Sport and Country as being available weird Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airspeed Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 A true Up Country package would have rear sway bar delete. You should be able to see that the way it is sitting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpnjim Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 For the Up Country Suspension Group, it lists the 3 skids, full size spare 225/75's tow hooks trans cooler shocks, rear sway delete and the LSD since that one had none of.that stuff, I wonder if it had the sway delete?!? Guy probably had a body shop buddy redecal the whole thing as an UpCountry Limited I guess?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted March 10, 2014 Author Share Posted March 10, 2014 It did have the auxillary trans cooler. This needs more looking at for curiosity's sake. If I get the chance, I'll bring a jack out there and pull the diff cover. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeepdude89 Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Hey Rob, Going off of the 4.0 Litre badge on the liftgate, it looks to be a 2000 or a 2001 XJ, not a 97, unless someone swapped liftgates. Thought it may be helpful. Seth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Doesn't the tow package explain the trans cooler? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpnjim Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Hey Rob, Going off of the 4.0 Litre badge on the liftgate, it looks to be a 2000 or a 2001 XJ, not a 97, unless someone swapped liftgates. Thought it may be helpful. Seth But it has the full roof rack, IIRC that means 1997 or 1998 (I think) I used to remember all this stuff, but it's fading fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Hey Rob, Going off of the 4.0 Litre badge on the liftgate, it looks to be a 2000 or a 2001 XJ, not a 97, unless someone swapped liftgates. Thought it may be helpful. Seth But it has the full roof rack, IIRC that means 1997 or 1998 (I think) I used to remember all this stuff, but it's fading fast. The 2001 my Dad owned for awhile had a roof rack just like that one. It was just a Classic. EDIT: Found some pics, it did stop before getting to the front doors. Must have been thinking of one of the million other SUVs he went through there for awhile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpnjim Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 When I was looking for my last XJ (13 years ago now, wow time flies...), the short rack was one way to tell the difference between an 97/98, and a 99+ (again, IIRC on the years). I don't believe 01's have their roof racks all the way over the drivers seat, but I'm open to the possibility of being wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 My 00 XJ didn't have the full rack up top. It stopped above the rear doors. EDIT: I found this by Googling the VIN 1997 Jeep Cherokee - VIN 1J4FJ78S2VL589798 There are 1 records stating that this vehicle is for sale at auto auctions. To get more information order the Full Report. Auction sales: Sale Date: Jan 6, 2014 VIN: 1J4FJ78S2VL589798 Year: 1997 Make: Jeep Model: Cherokee Style/Body: SPORT UTILITY 4-DR Engine: 4.0L L6 OHV 12V Country of Assembly: UNITED STATES Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeepdude89 Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Now that I took another look at the pics, it does have a full roof length roof rack, so it has to be a 97-98-99-?. Looks like its possibly had a few things swapped in its time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted June 24, 2014 Author Share Posted June 24, 2014 I bring thee back from the dead! Well curiosity killed the cat. I've been watching this thing move around the yard and get picked over, but it is still there. The other day I noticed that it no longer had any drums on it, so I could give the axles a spin (still on the ground in the mud, but now it was resting on the plates). I bent down and gave the axle a spin, and to my surprise, the driveshaft started banging around... Hmm... That's a good sign. Went back up and asked if they could raise it and let me pull the cover to check. He told me they only really do that when they are selling the part. I went back out there to see if I could drag up an axle tag or something. When I went back I noticed how much lower the back was, and then realized that the leafs were gone. Now this is easy picking... Only thing left holding it in were the parking cables, shocks, and the brake line. I scrounged around for a jack out of another car, found an HD scissor jack out of a truck. Got it up a foot, pulled the shocks, and cut the brake hose. I didn't have anything to cut the cables. It was enough to slide it partially out and pull the cover... Jackpot! A short trip back down the road to work for some cable cutters and it was mine. $133 and it was in the back of my XJ. I already bought all new brakes, drums, shoes, and hardware for the current 8.25 but after installing the sway bar I noticed both axle seals were leaking, and the pinion seal was shot. I think the game plan switched, and this axle will be getting the new brakes and some seals for an upgrade instead of a plain repair. Rob :rock on: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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